"I tell you not as a coach and not as an expert, but for me, it is very unlikely," said Thomas Tuchel when asked whether Mateo Kovacic, brought off against Leeds United due to an ankle injury, would be fit to face Liverpool in Saturday's FA Cup final. "We will see. We need to wait. Maybe we have a miracle, and we make it possible."
Kovacic was the victim of an awful challenge from Leeds United winger Daniel James at Elland Road on Wednesday night. The Wales international flew into a challenge on the Croatian midfielder with such velocity that even if he got a touch on the ball – and he did – Kovacic was put at serious risk of injury.
It's why referee Anthony Taylor showed no hesitation in dismissing James. And why after several minutes of treatment and an attempt to continue, Kovacic was forced off the pitch and instantly treated by the Chelsea medical staff. Ice packs had been strapped around the 27-year-old's left ankle as he hobbled down the touchline at halftime.
